In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack the essential steps for purpose CEOs can take at the start of the year to set up 2026 for success. From strategic reviews to leadership rhythm, stakeholder planning, budgeting and personal sustainability, this conversation is a practical roadmap for CEOs who want to lead with intention.What We Cover:How to start the year without carrying last year’s exhaustionReviewing your strategic plan, assumptions and operational progressMapping your calendar, meetings and leadership rhythmReviewing budget performance and preparing early for forecastingFunding acquittals: avoiding mid-year scramblesPlanning stakeholder engagement and relationship managementChoosing your CEO “signature project” for the yearBuilding sustainability: personal commitments, boundaries and holidaysClearing old to-do lists and setting realistic goalsConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle and Danielle wrap up 2025 with a look at the most downloaded episodes, the hottest topics for new and aspiring CEOs, and the insights listeners told us mattered most. From CEO reporting to board relationships to organisational culture, this episode reveals what resonated deeply with nonprofit leaders across Australia, the United States, New Zealand and beyond.We’re incredibly grateful for your time, feedback and encouragement in 2025. What started over a quick coffee turned into a global community of CEOs and leaders committed to doing good work, better.We’ll see you on 8 January 2026 for more The NFP CEO - Season 2!Connect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

When a real crisis hits your not for profit, the first 24 hours are everything. In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle bring back crisis-communications expert Luke Starr to break down exactly what CEOs can do when things go wrong.  From the moment you realise you’re in trouble, through to stabilising operations, managing staff anxiety, communicating with stakeholders, dealing with regulators and media, and rebuilding trust afterwards. This is a practical, no-fluff, deeply actionable conversation designed to help you lead with confidence when the pressure is on.In this episode, we cover:What to do in the first moments of a crisisEscalation to the boardWhen to start communicating (and when to pause)Legal and contractual obligationsScenario planning before the crisis hitsCommunicating with staff during a crisisStakeholders and client communicationFacing the media (without melting down)Rebuilding trust after the crisisTurning a crisis into an opportunityGuest: Luke Starr, Principal Consultant from Phronesis Consulting: Phronesis | Full service communications digital marketing agency in SydneyRelated Episode:Leading Through Crisis: Preparation is what you can control, with Luke StarrConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle speak with Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, one of Australia’s most trusted and recognisable nonprofit brands. This conversation explores what it takes to lead a heritage brand through modernisation, manage cultural transformation, navigate shifting sector expectations, and balance emotional brand equity with the need for innovation.What we cover:1. The Privilege and Pressure of Leading a Trusted Brand2. Culture, Values and Leadership Behaviour3. Innovation, Technology and the Future of Mobility Support4. Inside the Creation of See Way5. Managing Change, Stakeholders and Internal AlignmentThis episode is essential listening for nonprofit CEOs, executives and board members navigating organisational growth, cultural change and brand stewardship. Dale offers practical insights into leading a purpose-driven organisation through modernisation while maintaining trust, authenticity and connection.To learn more:Guide Dogs NSW/ACTSeeWayConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle explore the most common challenges CEOs face in managing their relationship with the board. While many boards function well, recurring issues can undermine organisational performance, decision-making and the CEO’s ability to lead effectively. This episode outlines the typical problems, why they occur, and practical steps CEOs can take to improve board dynamics and governance outcomes.Topics and practical solutions to help you, the CEODirectors not reading board papers or coming unpreparedBoards becoming too operational instead of focusing on strategyRepeated questions already addressed in reportsDirectors contacting staff directly and bypassing the CEOAttendance problems, late arrivals and reschedulingBoards resistant to organisational or governance changeA well-functioning board–CEO relationship is essential for strong nonprofit governance. By using the right tools, engaging the Chair, clarifying roles and building consistent processes, CEOs can address common board challenges and strengthen organisational performance.Connect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

When a crisis hits, your response as a not-for-profit CEO can define your organisation’s future. In this episode of The NFP CEO, we sit down with Luke Starr from Phronesis Consulting, a crisis communications and reputation management expert with more than two decades of experience helping businesses and NFPs navigate tough moments.Luke shares what every NFP leader needs to know about crisis preparedness, reputation management, and how to lead through uncertainty with confidence and clarity.We cover:Why every not-for-profit needs a crisis communications strategy and why ignoring it is a false economy.The anatomy of a crisis: understanding how risk manifests and how reputation risk can threaten your organisation’s ability to operate.Crisis readiness vs. crisis response: the essential mindset shift for CEOs and boards.Valuing your “reputation capital” — and why goodwill from your community and funders can quickly vanish when trust is broken.Business Continuity Plans (BCP) that includes a reputation and communications strategy.The human side of crisis leadership: managing fear, maintaining trust, and leading with empathy.Guest: Luke Starr, Principal Consultant from Phronesis Consulting: Phronesis | Full service communications digital marketing agency in SydneyConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

First, congratulations on your CEO appointment!Stepping into a new CEO role in the for-purpose (NFP) sector is exciting and intense. Forget the “first 90 days”, lets focus on your first 30 days that sets you up for leadership success. In this episode, Michelle and Danielle break down exactly what new and aspiring CEOs in the not-for-profit sector need to focus on when they first step into the chair.From building relationships with your board chair and senior team to understanding your funding contracts, financials, risk registers, and culture dynamics. Whether you’re about to start a new CEO role, preparing for your first leadership transition, or coaching someone through theirs, this conversation offers a detailed checklist of what to tackle in your first month.What You’ll LearnHow to prepare before day one, and why your “first day” starts earlier than you thinkThe critical conversations to have with your board chair and executive teamHow to assess culture, capability, and risk in your first monthThe key documents every new CEO must review - from budgets to delegations to complianceWhy stakeholder mapping and understanding your funding ecosystem is essentialManaging pace, expectations, and decision-making when you’re “on a moving train”The importance of self-awareness, communication, and setting leadership tone earlyWho This Episode Is ForNewly appointed CEOs in the NFP or for-purpose sectorAspiring leaders preparing for their first executive roleBoard members or chairs onboarding a new CEOConsultants and advisors supporting leadership transitionsConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, hosts Michelle and Danielle unpack the end-of-year get together.Michelle and Danielle explore what it means for a CEO in the for-purpose sector to plan, host, and attend these celebrations thoughtfully, balancing workplace values, staff engagement, and risk management while still having fun and showing genuine appreciation for the team.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Set the right tone and purpose for your end-of-year event whether it’s a lunch, or evening celebration.Ensure your event reflects your organisation’s values and culture, including inclusivity, safety, and accessibility.Communicate expectations clearly from attendance and alcohol to dress codes and timing.Balance fun and professionalism including how to model appropriate CEO behaviour and avoid awkward work conversations.Manage risk and WHS obligations while keeping the spirit of celebration.Use the event as a relationship-building opportunity especially with frontline or hybrid workers.Collect and act on staff feedback (including from those who didn’t attend) to make future events even better.Connect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle tackle a familiar challenge for many not-for-profit leaders: how to build executive-level skills in your team when you — the CEO barely have a moment to breathe.From balancing limited resources to managing competing priorities, they explore practical, realistic ways to grow leadership and strategic capability across your organization without endless workshops or new budget lines.This is a conversation for CEOs who know they need more “executive thinking” in their teams but can’t afford to clone themselves or hire a full corporate exec structure.The CEO’s Dilemma:Why resource constraints and funding models often leave little room for leadership development and how these impact both the CEO and the organisation's sustainability.From Doing to Leading:How to shift out of “just keeping the balls in the air” and carve out space to identify what skills your team (and you) really need.Fractional Leadership:The benefits of bringing in fractional executives (CFOs, CMOs, CTOs, COOs) to build systems, deliver projects, and transfer skills without adding permanent overheads.“They’re not consultants — they’re part of your team for a defined period, so set them up like they’re one of you.”Building Capacity from Within:Practical, low-cost ways to build your managers’ executive capability.Leadership Mindset:How to model transparency and decision-making so your executives learn how to think strategically, not just what to do.Connect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle take listeners behind the scenes of recruiting and applying for a CEO role in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors.Michelle shares her experience supporting an organisation through a CEO recruitment process without using an external recruiter and what made some candidates stand out (and others miss the mark). Together, she and Danielle explore the do’s and don’ts of applying for CEO roles, from crafting a standout cover letter to preparing for the board interview.Whether you’re stepping up into your first CEO role, moving to a new organisation, or sitting on a board overseeing recruitment, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the CEO hiring process strategically and confidently.What You’ll LearnHow to approach CEO recruitment when your organisation decides not to use a recruiter.Why building a personal connection before you apply can give you an edge.How to stand out with a tailored cover letter and what most applicants get wrong.Why “spray and pray” job applications hurt your professional brand.What boards are really looking for in a CEO - beyond the job description.How to research and prepare for your interview like a pro.The importance of showing your alignment with the organisation’s purpose.Advice on using ChatGPT and AI tools the right way when crafting your application.Related Episodes: CEO Succession PlanningConnect with us:LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedInWebsite: thenfpceo.com.auMichelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedInDanielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn